Last updated June 2026
It took me two trips 17 years apart to finally appreciate Los Angeles in all its glory. The first time I visited, Harmony was not even a thought yet. The second time, she was front and center, under the LACMA lights, in a colorful striped dress and the biggest smile you have ever seen. That photo still makes me laugh every time I look at it. If you are planning a trip to Los Angeles with kids, you are in for a treat. This city has something for everyone and then some.
Los Angeles is one of those cities that can feel overwhelming to plan, especially with kids in tow. It is massive, spread out, and there is genuinely too much to do. But that is also what makes it so exciting. And if you have been hesitating to visit since the wildfires of early 2025, here is your sign to stop waiting. The city is open, thriving, and honestly more exciting than ever in 2026. Visiting and spending locally is one of the best things you can do to support LA’s recovery. Whether you are here for the beaches, the theme parks, the museums, or just the pure spectacle of it all, LA delivers every single time. Here is everything we loved and everything you should not miss.
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Table of Contents
Exploring the Beaches near Los Angeles
Going to the beach is one of the best and most affordable things to do in Los Angeles with kids. The area is home to some amazing beaches and the options are genuinely hard to narrow down.
Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, and for good reason. With its wide sandy beach, iconic pier, and amusement park, there is something for everyone. Kids will love the carnival games and rides on the pier, while parents can decompress on the beach with a good book. At the end of the day, take a stroll along the boardwalk and explore the shops and restaurants. It is touristy, yes, but it is touristy for a reason.
Zuma Beach in Malibu
Zuma Beach is an excellent choice for families. This beautiful beach is known for its soft sand and gorgeous coastline. It has great amenities including a kids play area, restrooms, snack bars, and picnic tables, and it is easily located right off the Pacific Coast Highway. The beach fills up on weekends, so if you are looking for a more laid-back experience head to the northern end of the beach where the crowds thin out.
Other Beaches near Los Angeles
If you have more time, Long Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Manhattan Beach are all worth adding to your list. Each has its own vibe and is very family friendly.
Theme Parks near Los Angeles
Los Angeles with kids means world class theme parks. Whether you are looking for thrill rides or kid-friendly attractions, you will find something for everyone.
Disneyland
You cannot mention Los Angeles without mentioning Disneyland. It is the ultimate family destination and home to classic rides like It’s a Small World and Dumbo as well as newer attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Kids will love meeting their favorite Disney characters and watching the parades and shows.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is another fantastic option for families. This theme park is home to some of the most thrilling rides in LA, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World attractions. Families can also take a behind-the-scenes studio tour and watch live shows featuring their favorite movie characters. And if you are visiting this summer, Universal just added its first ever high-speed outdoor roller coaster, Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift. A full day here goes by very fast.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm in nearby Buena Park is a beloved California theme park with rides, shows, and attractions divided into themed zones. What started as a small family berry farm has grown into a full-fledged family destination. It is a great alternative if you are looking for something a little different from the Disney experience, and the lines are typically much more manageable.
Not-to-Miss Hollywood Attractions
No trip to LA would be complete without a stop in Hollywood. As the heart of the film industry, it is rich in history and offers experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else.
Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an iconic landmark. Is it a tourist trap? Absolutely. Is it still worth seeing once in your lifetime? Also absolutely. You can see as little or as much as you want and there are plenty of shops along Hollywood Boulevard to keep everyone entertained.
Madame Tussauds in Los Angeles
If you want a chance to take a selfie with your favorite Hollywood celebrity, Madame Tussauds is a guaranteed good time. The museum is interactive and includes props, movie sets, and opportunities to take photos with the wax replicas. Kids get a huge kick out of it.
Warner Bros Studio Tour
If you’ve ever wanted to see a movie set and how things work behind the scenes, this is the closest you’ll get to it -without being in the business that is. Get behind the scenes at Warner Bros Studio, one of the leading filming studio in the country. The two-hour guided tour includes stops at the backlots and soundstages of iconic films and TV shows such as Casablanca and Friends. The tour includes special exhibits of props and costumes from Harry Potter, DC Universe, and more.
Attend a Live TV Show Taping
This is one of those only-in-LA experiences that you simply cannot replicate anywhere else, and the best part is that tickets are completely free. Watching a show being filmed live, seeing how the sets actually look in person, and possibly spotting a celebrity up close is genuinely one of the most memorable things you can do in Hollywood.
Most tickets can be reserved through On Camera Audiences or 1iota, the two main platforms that handle free studio audience tickets in LA. Book as early as possible since popular shows fill up weeks in advance. Here are the best options for families:
- Jeopardy! The gold standard for families. Kids as young as 8 can attend accompanied by an adult. Tapings run 3 to 4 hours from arrival to final taping, so pack snacks and manage expectations accordingly. Tapes at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City.
- Wheel of Fortune Also welcomes kids 8 and up. A fun, easy-to-follow show that works well for a range of ages. Tapes at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City.
- America’s Got Talent Perfect for kids who love performers and big stage energy. Kids 8 and up can attend with an adult. Tapings are held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
- America’s Funniest Home Videos A great pick for younger kids since it is lighthearted, funny, and easy to follow. Tapes at Manhattan Beach Studios.
- Dancing with the Stars Fun for kids who love dance and celebrity culture. Tapes at Television City Studios in Hollywood.
One important note: always check the age minimum for each specific show before booking, as requirements can change between seasons. And come prepared for a wait. Tapings run long, the energy is high, and it is worth every minute.
Los Angeles Family-Friendly Museums
Many of the museums in Los Angeles with kids on your itinerary are excellent choices. Here are some of the best to explore with your kids.
LACMA: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States and just got even better. The brand new David Geffen Galleries opened in April 2026, a stunning curvy concrete and glass building that straddles Wilshire Boulevard and houses the museum’s permanent collection in a completely reimagined space. It is one of the most ambitious cultural projects in the country and it is open right now. The outdoor Urban Light installation, those famous rows of vintage street lamps, remains one of the most photographed spots in all of Los Angeles. Harmony jumped around those lamp posts in a striped dress and it is still one of my favorite photos from all of our travels.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Downtown Los Angeles
The La Brea Tar Pits is an active paleontological research site right in the middle of the city. Formed around naturally occurring asphalt seeps, the site has preserved plant and animal fossils dating back over 50,000 years. The museum features fossils excavated on site and has great hands-on exhibits that kids love. It is genuinely one of the most unique attractions in LA and sits right next to LACMA, making it an easy double stop.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center is a great option for families who love art and architecture. This museum is home to an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Families will appreciate the stunning gardens and outdoor spaces full of colorful plants and sculptures. Best of all, admission is free, though a reservation is required.
California Science Center
The California Science Center is home to fun interactive exhibits, live habitats, and the space shuttle Endeavour, now displayed vertically in launch configuration in the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. It is great for kids of all ages and admission is free, though IMAX movies cost extra.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory sits on the south side of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park and is one of our favorite spots in the entire city. There are telescopes, exhibits, and planetarium shows that will keep visitors of all ages engaged. Admission to the building and grounds is free. On clear days you get spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Several trailheads also start right on the Observatory grounds if your family is up for a hike.
Where To Eat in Los Angeles With Kids
Los Angeles has some of the best and most diverse food in the country, and you could honestly eat your way through the city for a week and never run out of options. Here are our favorites:
A California Classic: In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is non-negotiable. If you have never been to an In-N-Out, Los Angeles is your chance. The burgers are fresh, the fries are crispy, and the prices are shockingly reasonable by LA standards. Order your fries Animal Style and thank me later. There are multiple locations throughout the LA area.
A Local Institution: Porto’s Bakery
Porto’s Bakery is a Southern California institution and one of those places that locals get genuinely passionate about. This Cuban bakery has been around since the 1960s and is famous for its potato balls, cheese rolls, and pastries. It is affordable, incredibly delicious, and the kind of place you will talk about long after you leave LA. Multiple locations in the LA area including Burbank and Glendale.
For the Indecisive Family: Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market in Downtown LA is a great stop for families who can never agree on what to eat. This historic food hall has been around since 1917 and is packed with vendors serving everything from tacos and ramen to egg sandwiches and fresh juice. Everyone finds something they love and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
For a Lazy Afternoon: The Original Farmers Market
The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax has been a LA institution since 1934. It is a relaxed, open-air market with dozens of food stalls and restaurants. Great for a casual lunch where everyone can pick something different.
For the Authentic LA Experience: Street Tacos and Local Taquerias
Arguably the best thing you can eat in Los Angeles and the most authentic LA food experience you can give your kids. Skip the sit-down restaurants and look for the food trucks, street vendors, and hole-in-the-wall taquerias that locals actually eat at. Tacos at a street cart in LA will cost you $2-3 each and will be some of the best food of your trip. The Silver Lake neighborhood is a great place to start, with a solid mix of food trucks and family-run spots that locals swear by. Look for the spots with a line out the door. That is always a good sign.
Where To Stay in Los Angeles With Kids
Los Angeles is a huge city and very spread out, so finding a central location to all of the activities you want to do can be challenging. Most families who travel to Los Angeles intend to spend a few days at Disneyland and see the main attractions in the city. If you plan to do the same, I recommend splitting your time between two locations: stay in Anaheim for Disneyland, and then stay in a more central location like Hollywood to see the other LA attractions.
Howard Johnson Anaheim near LA
For your Disneyland days, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground is our top pick without hesitation. Just an 8 minute walk from the Disneyland Resort entrance, it is the kind of hotel that actually makes your Disney trip easier and more enjoyable. Spacious rooms, a fantastic water playground, and a location close enough to walk back for a midday nap. We loved every minute of our stay.
For discounted stays, go to this link and use the appropriate codes below:
- 20% off for Disneyland Magic Key Holder
Corp code: 1000025935 - 15% off for everyone
Corp code: 1000022077
Magic Castle Hotel in Hollywood
For exploring the rest of LA, the Magic Castle Hotel in Hollywood is one of the most highly rated boutique hotels in the city. It may feel a little dated to some but the staff consistently delivers outstanding service and the amenities are genuinely impressive: spacious rooms, a heated year-round pool, free breakfast, free laundry, free poolside popsicles, and free snacks. The best perk though is access to the exclusive Magic Castle next door, home to the Academy of Magical Arts. The only other way in is to know an actual magician member. Ask the hotel to help you get a reservation and prepare to be completely amazed.
Save on Accommodation with HomeExchange
Los Angeles hotel prices can be eye-watering, especially during peak season. One of the smartest ways to stretch your budget is through HomeExchange, the home swapping platform that lets you stay in someone’s home for free while they stay in yours. As a HomeExchange ambassador, I use it regularly on our travels and it has saved us thousands of dollars in accommodation costs. LA is one of the most popular HomeExchange destinations in the US, so availability is genuinely good. If you have not tried it yet, it is worth looking into before you book anything else. My referral link gets you 250 bonus guest points when you sign up.
FAQs About Los Angeles with Kids
How many days do you need in Los Angeles with kids?
Three days is the absolute minimum but five is the sweet spot. That gives you one day for Disneyland, one for Hollywood and museums, one for the beach, and flex days for everything else. LA is one of those cities where you could spend two weeks and still have a list of things you did not get to.
Is Los Angeles safe for families?
Yes. Millions of families visit every year without any issues. Like any major city, stick to well-trafficked areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and use common sense. The beaches, theme parks, Hollywood, and museum districts are all comfortable and busy with families.
What is the best time of year to visit Los Angeles with kids?
LA is a year-round destination but spring and fall are the sweet spots. Comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and lower hotel rates than summer. Summer is peak season with bigger crowds and higher prices. Winter is the least crowded time to visit and still very pleasant.
How do you get around Los Angeles with kids?
Rent a car. LA is enormous, roughly 500 square miles, and public transit will not cut it for a family itinerary. Plan your days geographically so you are not criss-crossing the city. Keep your beach day on the Westside, your Hollywood and museum day in the central areas, and your Disneyland day in Anaheim.
How bad is LA traffic?
Bad. Rush hour runs roughly 7 to 10am and 4 to 7pm on weekdays. A 20 minute drive on a Sunday morning can take 90 minutes on a Friday afternoon. Use Waze for real time updates, build in buffer time for anything time-sensitive, and plan your days by neighborhood to minimize driving.
So, Is Los Angeles Worth it?
Every single time. Los Angeles with kids is one of those trips that rewards curiosity. The more you explore beyond the obvious tourist stops, the more you fall in love with it. Two trips in and we are already planning a third. There is just too much left to see.
Have questions about planning your LA trip? Drop them in the comments below. And if you are heading to Disneyland, make sure to read our step-by-step guide on how to do 25 rides at Disneyland in one day before you go.
Thank you for reading xx
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